Belmont has established the Nancy C. Allen Endowed Scholarship for Musical Theatre through a gift from alumnus Hagan Stone, marking a significant development during the musical theatre program’s 25th anniversary year.
The scholarship will support talented students pursuing musical theatre at Belmont, with a focus on helping students complete their education.
"What I've always dreamed of is a way to help students stay here," Allen said. "We've lost talented students because of financial difficulties, and while they're still working and performing, they're not performing at the level they could be had they been able to continue their education. Out of all the music theatre programs in the country, we do it best. Allowing these very, very talented students to come and experience what Belmont has to offer and what Belmont musical theatre does is such a privilege.”
Stone, a current member and former president of Friends of the Arts Board and longtime supporter of Belmont's arts programs, emphasized the transformative power of musical theatre education.
"Musical theatre makes people feel good. It makes people feel like they can be something that they maybe dreamed of being and also just step away from reality and experience something wonderful," he said. “It was very meaningful to me to be part of something like that at Belmont.”
Stone's commitment to supporting musical theatre students grew through his experiences chaperoning program trips to New York City, where seniors showcase their talents to industry professionals. During these trips, Stone had dinner with students and learned their personal stories, including the challenges many face in pursuing their education.
The endowment will provide financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional promise and dedication in musical theatre, ensuring they have the resources to succeed in their academic and artistic pursuits.
"The art form is something that we are all passionate about, but it's really about the people," said Stephen Eaves, dean of the College of Music and Performing Arts. "They are who makes it so special, and they are what makes Belmont so special."
Allen, a beloved faculty member in the musical theatre program, has helped shape countless performers throughout her tenure. The scholarship bearing her name will continue her legacy of nurturing talented performers at Belmont.
The establishment of this scholarship coincides with Belmont's celebration of 25 years of musical theatre excellence. Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the program is commemorating this milestone through special performances, alumni events and initiatives focused on securing the program's future.
Since its inception, Belmont's musical theatre program has established itself as one of the country's premier training grounds for musical theatre artists, with graduates performing on Broadway, national tours and stages worldwide.
For more information about supporting the musical theatre program's scholarship initiatives, please contact Josh Poorman or visit the scholarship website.
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Learn more about the musical theatre at Belmont.